To be truly integrated in Vienna there are certain terms no dictionary or Deutschkurs will properly explain.
But you’re no stranger, so here’s this month’s cheat sheet
GSPUSI
[ˈkʃpuːzi̩]
Colloquial Viennese for a casual, informal liaison; sometimes used to refer to the person you’re having said liaison with. Orig. Italian, from sposa/sposo (bride/groom). Far less regimented than a mistress or kept man but more stable than a fling, a Gspusi need not involve cheating and can occur between two singles. The defining factor is that, for whatever reason, both parties prefer to keep it on the down-low. Reasons for secrecy can range from fear of a legitimate partner finding out to simply being too embarrassed to be seen in public with your Gspusi. Somewhat ironically, this very simplicity can sometimes lead to Gspusis outlasting more formal relationships. Tired of “It’s complicated”? Get thee a Gspusi!
